Gentlemen,
As the dust settles on the 2025 Carr Mara at Bel Air, we wanted to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for helping us continue the proud tradition of the Carr Mara event. Despite the uncertainty earlier this year, we emerged not only stronger but also better positioned, with two fantastic additions to our roster: Old Head Golf Links (2027) and Peachtree Golf Club (2033).
Jaime, your personal input was pivotal in securing BACC’s commitment during the uncertain period. We are deeply grateful for your efforts. The hosting of the captain’s dinner was also incredibly important, providing a refreshing opportunity for open discussion about the event and our future.
A special thank you goes out to Bel Air Country Club, President Steve Howe, the 2025 BACC committee, the members who participated and showed up, the outstanding BACC leadership team of Adam and Tom, the clubhouse staff, especially Alexia, and of course, the golf course staff. Together, you all ensured that the event was flawless. We are privileged to play the best courses in the world and attend some very special events, and this was certainly one of those.
Hearty congratulations to BACC on winning the event for the second time! At least we don’t have to worry about moving the Trophy for another two years!
I will reach out to Tom Gardener today to settle the account for the prizes, gifts, and the surplus funds in the Carr Mara account, less the 15% retention agreed at the captains’ meeting. Many thanks to the Bel Air members for supporting the charitable element of the tournament. Billy Bush did an amazing job. Please let us know who bid on the Irish trip, and we will help coordinate planning for this.
Roddy and Danny will be writing to all team captains, on behalf of Carr Mara, under separate cover, with a summary of the event and plans going forward. In this regard, is it possible to get a link to the photo gallery so we can share it with the captains and participants?
Again, many thanks for all your efforts in securing the future of the Carr Mara and for a wonderful and special few days at Bel Air Country Club.
Warm regards,
Roddy Carr
John Carr
Marty Carr
Hello Hello Hello,
Finally, T. Merrick is recharged after a fantastic time at Bel-Air Country Club. Yes, it takes this fellow more than a day to bounce back with a birdie.
As Marty rightfully noted below, a huge thank you to Jamie, the Bel-Air members, and the entire staff for hosting the “inaugural” CarrMara Tournament—a brilliantly executed event where every detail was thoughtfully considered. The new governance structure of the CarrMara Tournament is streamlined, solid, and worked seamlessly with the Bel-Air tournament committee to produce a truly first-class experience.
Reflecting on the event, the first memory that comes to mind is the overwhelming sense of welcome from the Bel-Air members and staff—from the moment of arrival to what I think was my Wednesday night Uber departure. The food and drink were exceptional (the keg at the turn was a killer for some and an adrenaline shot for others), and the Captain’s Dinner was spot on in food, wine, and purpose.
The golf operations team ran a flawless event—from first tee starting announcements to final scoring. I’ve never seen waiters or bartenders laugh so hard as they listened to the players’ stories. The craic and camaraderie were in full flow, no doubt making JB and Wellington smile from above.
The golf course was presented beautifully—not only in conditioning but also in setup. The 5th hole, set up as an 80-yard shot, was a special touch. Bel-Air’s collection of par threes could rival any course in the world. The 10th took center stage once again as beer-filled players tried to perform in front of the many spectators—those atop the tee, along the swinging bridge, and lounging nearby. Many creative swings were witnessed! Congratulations to Bel-Air and Kai on your victories.
The speeches, videos, and auctioneer antics are not to be forgotten—the boys are still laughing in our text threads reflecting on them.
A few memorable highlights for me:
Kai mistaking Mark Brosnan for Jamie from across the fairway and yelling, “Take a cart, you big bitch, and stop holding up the course!”
When I told Mark Brosnan I finally made a birdie on 11 and asked what he had—his reply: “Two smash burgers.”
The Old Head boys pre-programming the Sligo lads’ Waymo to drop them at “Ronny’s Gay Bar.”
In the end, the real winner is Bel-Air Country Club—not only for the tournament itself but for its stunning clubhouse, golf course restoration, and world-class presentation of the CarrMara Tournament. We are all truly grateful to have attended.
The CarrMara Tournament shines bright and is clearly built for many great years ahead. The additions of Old Head and Peachtree fit perfectly into the club’s tradition and spirit.
Danny and the Old Head crew—pull up your britches and strap on your boots. You’ve got big shoes to fill!
Already looking forward to our next meeting in Kinsale.
Cheers,
T. Merrick
Jamie
Happy Saturday one and all on this wonderful mail trail. Just like Merrick, still in recovery mode and I have the excuse of 5 more hours of jet-lag to recover from !!
Marty and Merrick have absolutely said it all. To each and every one of the staff at Bel-Air country club, from the friendly gate security guard as our first impression at arrival to every other member of staff across the club, of Bel-Air management and of course the wonderful members of Bel-Air who allowed us experience for 3 days what they experience as members on an ongoing basis…..thank you 🙏.
You have undoubtedly heard individually from the clubs. All I can add is that they absolutely loved Bel-Air country club as well as the ‘new’ open and progressive tournament. Uniquely, I cannot reflect a single complaint about anything . So ‘chapeau’ and take a bow everyone. Truly from the ‘top drawer’.
I do think it’s important that we summarise the captains dinner topics and circulate to club captains in the near future and so ensure this progressiveness is maintained and clubs continue to feel they have a central voce and maintain commitment and enthusiasm for the coming events. Thanks again Jamie and team for hosting that wonderful evening
Merrick, one point of positive challenge , surely we shall all meet as a board as requested by Peachtree in Atlanta over the next 12 months and that Old Head in two years will be our second next meeting 🥳🥳. We also look forward to having a Peachtree team at Old Head which will be amazing
Kind regards
Noel O’Halloran—Sutton Golf Club